USS Ruddy (AM-380)

USS "Ruddy" (AM-380) was an "Auk"-class minesweeper acquired by the U.S. Navy for the dangerous task of removing mines from minefields laid in the water to prevent ships from passing. She was the only U.S. Navy ship named for the North American Ruddy Duck.

Launched in Alabama in 1945

"Ruddy" was laid down on 24 February 1944 by theGulf Shipbuilding Corp., Chickasaw, Alabama; launched 29 October 1944; sponsored by Mrs. John Zeralis; and commissioned 28 April 1945, Lt. Comdr. William H. Rothwell II, USNR, in command.

World War II-related operations

After commissioning, "Ruddy" completed her shakedown cruise in Chesapeake Bay and on 27 July 1945 departed Little Creek, Virginia, for Okinawa. Arriving at Buckner Bay on 27 September, she escorted the "Miiilicoma" (AO-73) to Sasebo, Japan, destroying two Japanese mines with rifle fire en route. During October, she returned to the Ryukyus; but, on the 26th, was back off Sasebo to commence sweeping operations in the "Klondike" area off that port. Detached on 8 November, she provided courier service; supervised YMS operations; and carried freight between Okinawa and Sasebo until the new year. In January 1946, she again conducted minesweeping operations.

On 17 February, "Ruddy" sailed for the Marshall Islands. At Bikini Atoll from 7 to 24 March, she supervised buoy-laying activities in preparation for Operation Crossroads, the July 1946 atomic tests; then continued on to the United States.

Reaching San Pedro, California, on 23 April, the minesweeper was decommissioned at San Diego, California, on 15 January 1947 and berthed with the Pacific Reserve Fleet.

Korean War operations

Recommissioned on 12 March 1952,"Ruddy" joined Mine Division 72 and, after 11 months of mine warfare exercises and fleet amphibious operations, sailed from Long Beach, California, in February 1953 for the Korean combat zone. She arrived off Wonsan, North Korea, on 15 March and began operations as a unit of the U.N. Blockade and Escort Force. On the 16th, she transported prisoners of war to Yo Do, then returned to Wonsan, whence, for 6 weeks, she conducted inshore patrols.

Three weeks of voyage repairs at Yokosuka, Japan, followed. She then steamed for Inchon and patrol duty along the peninsula's western coast. In mid-July, "Ruddy" returned to Japan.

Fourteen days later, the truce went into effect; and, at the end of the month, the minesweeper was at Niigata, Japan, to participate in the Perry Expedition Centennial celebration. In mid-August, she returned to Korea for patrol duty off Cheju Do; and, on 4 September, she departed Sasebo for California, arriving at Long Beach, California, on the 27th.

For the next 16 months, the "Ruddy" engaged in type training and tactics along the California coast.

Post-Korean War Far East tour

On 20 January 1955, accompanied by the "USS Zeal", MSF-131, the "Ruddy" departed Pipeline Pier in Long Beach Harbor, and headed west for another tour in the Far East, stopping at Pearl Harbor in the Territory of Hawaii, and at Midway Islands for fuel and supplies.

Eighteen days later, while still in transit, she was redesignated MSF-380.

"Ruddy" and the "Zeal" arrived at Sasebo, Japan, on the 16th of February and, until 10 August, "Ruddy" ranged from Japan to the Philippines in operations with the U.S. 7th Fleet. Accompanied by the "Zeal" she returned to Pipeline Pier at Long Beach, California on 5 September and resumed local operations.

Decommissioning

With the new year, 1956, she began inactivation. Decommissioned at San Diego, California, on 31 August 1956, "Ruddy" was berthed with the Pacific Reserve Fleet until 1 November 1960 when she transferred, under the terms of the military assistance program, to the government of Peru. The minesweeper served as the "Galvez" in the Peruvian Navy until 1975 when she was transferred to the Peruvian Coast Guard. The minesweeper was retired in 1981.

Awards and honors

"Ruddy" earned one battle star for post-World War II minesweeping operations and two for her service during the Korean War.

References

*

See also

* List of United States Navy ships
* Commander Mine Squadron SEVEN

External links

*
* [http://www.history.navy.mil/ar/india/ismay.htm Papers of Captain Arthur P. Ismay 1965-1972]